Fuel tank

ABSTRACT

A fuel tank comprises a circular column-shaped fuel tank body, a handle, and a lock mechanism. The circular column-shaped fuel tank body is provided so as to be capable of being detachably attached to a fuel-powered device. The handle is formed on one end side in a length direction of the fuel tank body. The lock mechanism is capable of switching between a locked state in which the fuel tank body cannot be removed from the fuel-powered device, and a lock-released state in which the locked state has been released, due to the fuel tank body being rotated in a circumferential direction in a state of being installed to the fuel-powered device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2021-166470 filed on Oct. 8, 2021, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a fuel tank.

Related Art

There is known technology relating to providing a fuel tank so as to becapable of being detachably attached to a fuel-powered device such as avehicle that uses a fuel such as hydrogen.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No.2009-270707 discloses technology in which a hydrogen storage case thatstores one or more hydrogen tanks and has a handle set at an upper facethereof is provided so as to be capable of being detachably attached toa vehicle.

However, it is desirable for a fuel tank to be rendered unremovable froma fuel-powered device, and rendered removable from the fuel-powereddevice by a simple operation.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure obtains a fuel tank that can be renderedunremovable from a fuel-powered device and rendered removable from thefuel-powered device by a simple operation.

A fuel tank of a first aspect includes a circular column-shaped fueltank body provided so as to be capable of being detachably attached to afuel-powered device, a handle formed on one end side in a lengthdirection of the fuel tank body, and a lock mechanism. The lockmechanism is capable of switching between a locked state in which thefuel tank body cannot be removed from the fuel-powered device, and alock-released state in which the locked state has been released, due tothe fuel tank body being rotated in a circumferential direction in astate of being installed to the fuel-powered device.

The first aspect includes the lock mechanism that is capable ofswitching between the locked state and the lock-released state. The lockmechanism is placed in the locked state by rotating the fuel tank bodytoward the circumferential direction side, and is placed in thelock-released state by rotating the fuel tank body toward the othercircumferential direction side.

Moreover, since the handle is formed on the one length direction endside of the fuel tank, the fuel tank is rotated in the circumferentialdirection by operating the handle. This enables the fuel tank to berendered unremovable from the fuel-powered device and rendered removablefrom the fuel-powered device by a simple operation.

A fuel tank of a second aspect is the fuel tank of the first aspect,further including a recess indented in the length direction on the onelength direction end side of the fuel tank body, wherein the handle isprovided inside the recess.

In the second aspect, since the handle is provided inside the recess, aspace is formed between the handle and the recess. This enables anoperator to put their hand in the space between the handle and therecess when gripping the handle. This enables the operator to firmlygrip the handle when operating the handle.

A fuel tank of a third aspect is the fuel tank of the second aspect,wherein the recess is formed in a cover member that is capable of beingdetachably attached to the fuel tank body.

In the third aspect, since the recess is formed in the cover member thatis capable of being detachably attached to the fuel tank body, the onelength direction end side of the fuel tank body is covered by the covermember. This enables the one length direction end side of the fuel tankbody to be protected by the cover member.

A fuel tank of a fourth aspect is the fuel tank of any one of the firstaspect to the third aspect, wherein the handle is integrally provided atthe fuel tank body.

In the fourth aspect, since the handle is included as integrallyprovided at the fuel tank body, the handle is firmly connected to thefuel tank body and the strength of the handle is improved. This enablesthe ease of operation of the handle to be improved when gripping thehandle to operate the handle, such as when switching between the lockedstate and the lock-released state, and when attaching or detaching thefuel tank to or from the fuel-powered device.

A fuel tank of a fifth aspect is the fuel tank of any one of the firstaspect to the fourth aspect, wherein the handle is provided so as not toproject out from an end face on the one end side of the fuel tank body.

In the fifth aspect, since the handle is provided so as not to projectout from the end face on the one end side of the fuel tank body, thehandle does not jut out from the one length direction end of the fueltank. Thus, the handle does not protrude from the fuel-powered device inthe state in which the fuel tank has been installed to the fuel-powereddevice. This enables the handle to be prevented from catching on objectsaround the fuel-powered device in the state in which the fuel tank hasbeen installed to the fuel-powered device.

A fuel tank of a sixth aspect is the fuel tank of any one of the firstaspect to the fifth aspect, wherein the handle is formed so as to extendin a long thin shape along a radial direction of the fuel tank body.

In the sixth aspect, since the handle is formed in a long thin shapealong the radial direction of the fuel tank body, for example, thehandle is orientated along a lateral direction when in the locked state,and the handle is orientated along a vertical direction when in thelock-released state. This enables simple determination as to whether thefuel tank is in the locked state or in the lock-released state withrespect to the fuel-powered device.

A fuel tank of a seventh aspect is the fuel tank of any one of the firstaspect to the sixth aspect, further including a remaining fuel leveldisplay section configured to display a remaining level of fuel in thefuel tank body.

In the seventh aspect, since the fuel tank includes the remaining fuellevel display section, the remaining level of fuel inside the fuel tankis displayed on the remaining fuel level display section. This enablesthe remaining level of fuel inside the fuel tank to be ascertainedwithout having to measure the weight of the fuel tank.

A fuel tank of an eighth aspect is the fuel tank of the seventh aspect,wherein the remaining fuel level display section is provided at aposition visible from outside the fuel-powered device in a state inwhich the fuel tank body has been installed to the fuel-powered device.

In the eighth aspect, since the remaining fuel level display section isvisible from the outside the fuel-powered device in the state in whichthe fuel tank has been installed to the fuel-powered device, theremaining level of fuel inside the fuel tank can be ascertained in thestate in which the fuel tank has been installed to the fuel-powereddevice.

The fuel tank according to the present disclosure can be renderedunremovable from the fuel-powered device and rendered removable from thefuel-powered device by a simple operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described indetail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle mounted withhydrogen tanks according to a first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating sections wherehydrogen tanks according to the first exemplary embodiment are attachedto a vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a hydrogen tank according tothe first exemplary embodiment as viewed diagonally from above;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a hydrogen tank according tothe first exemplary embodiment as viewed diagonally from below;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hydrogen tankaccording to the first exemplary embodiment as viewed diagonally fromabove;

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a hydrogen tank according to thefirst exemplary embodiment with part of the hydrogen tank illustrated incross-section;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view illustrating a hydrogen tank accordingto the first exemplary embodiment in a state of being installed to avehicle with part of the hydrogen tank illustrated in cross-section;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a hydrogentank according to the first exemplary embodiment is in the process ofbeing installed to a vehicle;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a locked state of a hydrogentank according to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view illustrating a hydrogen tank accordingto the first exemplary embodiment in a state of being attached to adispenser nozzle with part of the hydrogen tank illustrated incross-section;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a hydrogen tank according toa second exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a hydrogen tank according toa third exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a hydrogen tank according toa fourth exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Exemplary Embodiment

Explanation follows regarding a hydrogen tank serving as a fuel tankaccording to a first exemplary embodiment, with reference to thedrawings. Note that in FIG. 1 , the arrow FR indicates a vehicle frontside, the arrow LH indicates a vehicle left side, and the arrow UPindicates a vehicle upper side. Moreover, the arrow in FIG. 3 indicatesa length direction D of a hydrogen tank body 32. An example is describedin which the hydrogen tank according to the first exemplary embodimentis mounted to a small mobility vehicle (hereafter referred to as avehicle) that is driven autonomously by electrical energy generated by achemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

Configuration of Hydrogen Tank-Mounted Vehicle

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a vehicle 10 serving as a fuel-powered deviceincludes a body 12, and a drive section 18 including wheels 19.

The body 12 is configured by a rectangular-bodied body section 12A, anda projection section 12B that projects toward the vehicle front side inan elliptical cone shape from the vehicle front side of the body section12A. Plural (three in the first exemplary embodiment) hydrogen tanks 30are installed at the vehicle front side of the projection section 12B.Each of the hydrogen tanks 30 is installed horizontally so as to beorientated with its length direction D along a vehicle front-reardirection. The three hydrogen tanks 30 are arranged in a row along avehicle vertical direction.

A fuel cell (FC) stack 14 is provided to the body 12. The FC stack 14 isconnected to the hydrogen tanks 30 and an air compressor (notillustrated in the drawings). The FC stack 14 generates electricitythrough an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen supplied from thehydrogen tanks 30 and oxygen in compressed air supplied from the aircompressor.

The drive section 18 is provided at the vehicle lower side of thevehicle front side of the body 12. A drive motor 16 and the wheels 19are provided to the drive section 18. The drive motor 16 is connected tothe FC stack 14. Two of the wheels 19 are provided spaced apart from oneanother in a vehicle width direction.

Electric power generated by hydrogen and oxygen being supplied to the FCstack 14 is supplied to the drive motor 16 from the FC stack 14 so as todrive the drive motor 16, and drive force of the drive motor 16 istransmitted to the wheels 19.

Configuration of Hydrogen Tank

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the hydrogen tanks 30 are provided so as tobe capable of being detachably attached to hydrogen tank installationsections 80 provided at the vehicle front side.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , each of the hydrogen tanks 30includes the hydrogen tank body 32, serving as a fuel tank bodyincluding a handle 40 and a first connector 70, and a cover member 50.

Hydrogen Tank Body

As illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the hydrogen tank body 32 isformed in a substantially circular column shape. The handle 40 is formedon one end side in the length direction D of the hydrogen tank body 32.The first connector 70 is attached to another end side in the lengthdirection D of the hydrogen tank body 32.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the hydrogen tank body 32 is configuredincluding a lining 36 and a reinforcing section 34 that covers thelining 36 from an outer side. The lining 36 may be formed of a resinmaterial with low hydrogen permeability, such as nylon. A spacesurrounded by the lining 36 configures a hydrogen storage space S inwhich the hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen tank 30. The reinforcingsection 34 may be formed of a fiber-reinforced resin.

An end face (bottom face) 34A on the other length direction D end sideof the hydrogen tank body 32 is formed with a ring-shaped flat face. Arecess 34B indented in the length direction D of the hydrogen tank body32 is formed in the end face 34A. The recess 34B may be formed in acircular bowl shape indented in the length direction D from the end face34A on the other length direction D end side of the hydrogen tank body32.

First Connector

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the first connector 70 is provided at aradial direction center of the hydrogen tank body 32. The firstconnector 70 is provided in the recess 34B so as not to project outtoward the other length direction D end side (lower side) from the endface 34A on the other length direction D end side of the hydrogen tankbody 32. The first connector 70 is provided so as to project toward theother length direction D end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 from theface forming the recess 34B. Note that the first connector 70 may beprovided so as to be set further back toward the one length direction Dend side of the hydrogen tank body 32 than the face forming the recess34B.

The first connector 70 is provided inserted through a liner opening 36Cprovided in the lining 36 and a reinforcing section opening 34C providedin the reinforcing section 34. A flow path 72 in the first connector 70connects between the hydrogen storage space S and the exterior of thehydrogen tank body 32.

Hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage space S is supplied to theexterior of the hydrogen tank 30, and hydrogen is filled into thehydrogen storage space S from the exterior, through the flow path 72provided in the first connector 70. Namely, a leading end of the flowpath 72 in the first connector 70 serves as a supply port 74 throughwhich hydrogen is supplied to the vehicle 10, and also serves as afiller port 76 through which hydrogen is filled into the hydrogen tankbody 32.

Handle

As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 , the handle 40 is formed on the onelength direction D end side (upper side) of the hydrogen tank body 32.The handle 40 is integrally formed to the hydrogen tank body 32. Inother words, the handle 40 is for example formed of the same material asthe hydrogen tank body 32.

The handle 40 is provided so as to project out in the length direction Dfrom one length direction D end face (upper face) of the hydrogen tankbody 32. When the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed along the lengthdirection D, the handle 40 is formed further toward an inner side thanan outer circumferential face of the hydrogen tank body 32.

When the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed along the length direction D,the handle 40 is formed so as to extend along the radial direction ofthe hydrogen tank body 32 in a long thin shape. Namely, the handle 40 isformed in a bar shape when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed along thelength direction D. In other words, the handle 40 is formed in astraight shape when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed along the lengthdirection D.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , in a side-on view of the hydrogentank 30, the handle 40 is formed in a rectangular arch shape configuredby two pillars 44 and a linking portion 42. The pillars 44 are providedso as to extend upward from the one length direction D end face of thehydrogen tank body 32. Each of the pillars 44 is formed with asubstantially rectangular shape in cross-section along a horizontaldirection. The two pillars 44 are arranged spaced apart from one anotherin the horizontal direction to a degree enabling an operator M to inserttheir hand M1 therebetween.

The linking portion 42 is provided so as to span between upper ends ofthe two pillars 44. The linking portion 42 is formed with asubstantially pentagonal shape in cross-section along a perpendiculardirection.

A claw portion 46 that enables the cover member 50 to be detachablyattached to the hydrogen tank body 32 is provided to each of the pillars44. The claw portions 46 are formed so as to project out toward theradial direction outside of the hydrogen tank body 32 from outerperipheral faces of the respective pillars 44.

Cover Member

As illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the cover member 50 is provided soas to be capable of being detachably attached to the one lengthdirection D end side of the hydrogen tank body 32. The cover member 50is for example made of resin, and is configured by a side wall 52, anupper end face 54, and a recess 56.

The side wall 52 is formed in a substantially circular tube shape. Anouter diameter of the side wall 52 may be substantially the same as anouter diameter of the hydrogen tank body 32. The upper end face 54 isformed as a ring-shaped flat face at the one length direction D end side(upper end side) of the side wall 52.

The recess 56 is formed in a circular bowl shape indented in the lengthdirection D from the upper end face 54 of the cover member 50. Arectangular opening 58 through which the handle 40 can be inserted isformed in the recess 56. The opening 58 is formed as an opening that isslightly larger than the outer profile of the handle 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , fitting holes 59 into which the claw portions46 of the cover member 50 are fitted are formed in the side wall 52. Thecover member 50 is attached to the hydrogen tank body 32 by insertingthe handle 40 of the hydrogen tank body 32 through the opening 58 in thecover member 50 and fitting the claw portions 46 of the handle 40 intothe fitting holes 59 in the cover member 50. The cover member 50 isremoved from the hydrogen tank body 32 by releasing the claw portions 46from being fitted into the fitting holes 59.

When viewed along the length direction D, the recess 56 is located in aspace formed between an outside face of the handle 40 and the outercircumferential face of the hydrogen tank body 32. In other words, therecess 56 is provided in a space that has been formed by forming thehandle 40 to the hydrogen tank body 32.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , in a state in which the cover member 50 hasbeen attached to the hydrogen tank body 32, the handle 40 is disposedinside the recess 56. In other words, the handle 40 is disposed at acenter side of the recess 56. In the state in which the cover member 50has been attached to the hydrogen tank body 32, the linking portion 42of the handle 40 and the recess 56 are provided spaced apart from oneanother to a degree enabling the operator M to insert their hand M1therebetween. The handle 40 is provided so as not to project out fromthe upper end face 54 of the cover member 50 in the state in which thecover member 50 has been attached to the hydrogen tank body 32.

The cover member 50 may be provided with a reinforcing rib 57 connectingbetween the side wall 52, the upper end face 54, and the recess 56.

Remaining Hydrogen Level Display Section

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , a remaining hydrogen level display section60, serving as a remaining fuel level display section that displays theremaining level of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage space S ofthe hydrogen tank body 32, is provided in the recess 56. The remaininghydrogen level display section 60 is provided at a position visible fromoutside the vehicle 10 in a state in which the hydrogen tank body 32 hasbeen installed to the vehicle 10.

In the hydrogen tank 30, detection information from a pressure sensor 64that detects pressure in the hydrogen storage space S of the hydrogentank body 32 is input to a control section 66. The remaining hydrogenlevel is computed by the control section 66, and this remaining hydrogenlevel is displayed on the remaining hydrogen level display section 60.

The remaining hydrogen level display section 60 may be configured by aliquid crystal display that displays the level of remaining hydrogen bydisplaying plural segments 62 of a bar scale. Note that electric powerrequired by the remaining hydrogen level display section 60 may besupplied from the FC stack 14.

Gauge

As illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , a ring-shaped gauge 48 is providedat an outer edge on the one length direction end side of the hydrogentank body 32. The gauge 48 is formed in a different color and of adifferent material than the outer circumferential face of the hydrogentank body 32, and can serve as a marker for checking that the hydrogentank 30 is correctly installed to the hydrogen tank installation section80 when the hydrogen tank 30 is being installed to one of the hydrogentank installation sections 80 of the vehicle 10. Note that plural gauges48 may be provided on the outer circumferential face of the hydrogentank body 32 so as to be spaced apart at uniform intervals along thelength direction D.

Lock Section

A lock section 68 is provided to a length direction D central portion ofthe outer circumferential face of the hydrogen tank body 32. When thehydrogen tank body 32 is viewed along the length direction D, the locksection 68 may be formed in the vicinity of an intersection between anextension direction of the linking portion 42 of the handle 40 and theouter circumferential face of the hydrogen tank body 32. In other words,the lock section 68 may be formed at substantially the same positionabout the circumferential direction of the hydrogen tank body 32 as bothend portions of the linking portion 42.

The lock section 68 is formed projecting in a circular column shapetoward the radial direction outside of the hydrogen tank body 32 fromthe outer circumferential face of the hydrogen tank body 32. The locksection 68 configures a lock mechanism, described later, by which thehydrogen tank 30 is locked to and cannot be removed from the vehicle 10when the hydrogen tank 30 has been installed to one of the hydrogen tankinstallation sections 80 of the vehicle 10.

Configuration of Vehicle Hydrogen Tank Installation Sections

As illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , each of the hydrogen tankinstallation sections 80 of the vehicle 10 is formed as a circularcolumn-shaped cavity that is capable of housing the hydrogen tank 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , a bottom face 83, a step portion 86, and arib 84 are formed in a bottom portion of the hydrogen tank installationsection 80.

The bottom face 83 is formed in a circular shape that is smaller thanthe outer diameter of the hydrogen tank body 32. A second connector 90that projects upward from the bottom face 83 is disposed at a radialdirection center of the bottom face 83.

The step portion 86 is formed as a step in a depth direction of thehydrogen tank installation section 80 with respect to the bottom face83. The step portion 86 may be formed in a ring shape so as to surroundthe circumference of the bottom face 83.

The rib 84 is formed so as to connect between a side wall 85 and thestep portion 86 of the hydrogen tank installation section 80. The rib 84functions as a restricting rib that restricts movement of the hydrogentank body 32 in a direction perpendicular to the length direction D whenthe hydrogen tank 30 has been inserted into the hydrogen tankinstallation section 80.

By installing the hydrogen tank 30 to the hydrogen tank installationsection 80, the first connector 70 is connected to the second connector90, and hydrogen in the hydrogen storage space S is supplied to thevehicle 10 through the flow path 72 in the first connector 70 and a flowpath 92 in the second connector 90.

Lock Mechanism

As illustrated in FIG. 8 , a guide section 82 is formed in the side wall85 of the hydrogen tank installation section 80. The guide section 82 isformed with a size enabling the lock section 68 of the hydrogen tank 30to be inserted therein. The guide section 82 is configured of a firstguide portion 82A extending along the depth direction from an openingedge of the hydrogen tank installation section 80, and a second guideportion 82B extending about a circumferential direction of the side wall85 from a bottom portion of the first guide portion 82A.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , the lock section 68 is formed soas to abut an end portion of the first guide portion 82A in the hydrogentank installation section 80-depth direction when the hydrogen tank 30has been inserted into the hydrogen tank installation section 80 suchthat the end face 34A on the other length direction D end side of thehydrogen tank body 32 abuts the step portion 86.

When viewed along the depth direction of the hydrogen tank installationsection 80, a length of the second guide portion 82B about the side wall85-circumferential direction is a length spanning from the first guideportion 82A to an angle of 90°. In other words, the length of the secondguide portion 82B about the side wall 85-circumferential direction isone quarter of the entire circumferential direction length of thehydrogen tank installation section 80.

Attachment and Detachment Operations of Hydrogen Tank to and fromVehicle Installation Operation

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the hydrogen tank body 32 is placed on theground G with the end face (bottom face) 34A on the other lengthdirection D end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 as a bottom face.

The operator M grips the handle 40 of the hydrogen tank 30 with theirhand Ml, lifts the hydrogen tank 30, and inserts the hydrogen tank 30into one of the hydrogen tank installation sections 80 of the vehicle 10as illustrated in FIG. 8 .

When this is performed, the lock section 68 of the hydrogen tank 30 isinserted into the first guide portion 82A of the hydrogen tankinstallation section 80 of the vehicle 10 with the handle 40 orientatedalong the perpendicular direction. The lock section 68 is thereby guidedby the first guide portion 82A, and the hydrogen tank 30 is deeplyinserted into the hydrogen tank installation section 80.

Next, the end face 34A on the other length direction D end side of thehydrogen tank body 32 abuts the step portion 86 of the hydrogen tankinstallation section 80. When this occurs, the first connector 70provided at the hydrogen tank 30 is connected to the second connector 90provided at the hydrogen tank installation section 80 of the vehicle 10as illustrated in FIG. 7 .

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 9 , the operator M rotates the hydrogentank 30 90° toward one circumferential direction side of the hydrogentank body 32 while gripping the handle 40. When this is performed, thelock section 68 is rotated 90° toward the one circumferential directionside of the hydrogen tank body 32 guided by the second guide portion82B. The hydrogen tank 30 is thereby placed in a locked state in whichit cannot be removed from the vehicle 10.

Removal Operation

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the operator M rotates the hydrogen tank 3090° toward another circumferential direction side of the hydrogen tankbody 32 while gripping the handle 40. When this is performed, the locksection 68 is rotated 90° toward the other circumferential directionside of the hydrogen tank body 32 guided by the second guide portion82B. The hydrogen tank 30 is thereby placed in a lock-released state inwhich it can be removed from the vehicle 10. Namely, the hydrogen tank30 is placed in the lock- released state in which the locked state hasbeen released. The lock section 68 of the hydrogen tank 30 and the guidesection 82 of the hydrogen tank installation section 80 configure a lockmechanism.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 8 , the operator M grips the handle 40 withtheir hand M1 and pulls the hydrogen tank 30 toward them to remove thehydrogen tank 30 from the vehicle 10.

Hydrogen Tank Filling Operation

As illustrated in FIG. 10 as an example, a nozzle 94 of a hydrogenstation dispenser is connected to the first connector 70 of the hydrogentank 30 that has been removed from the vehicle 10. Hydrogen is filledinto the hydrogen storage space S through a flow path 96 in the nozzle94 and the flow path 72 in the first connector 70.

Having been filled with hydrogen, the hydrogen tank 30 is installed tothe vehicle 10 by the above-described installation operation of thehydrogen tank 30 to the vehicle 10.

Operation and Effects of Hydrogen Tank

Next, explanation follows regarding operation and effects of thehydrogen tank 30 of the first exemplary embodiment.

The hydrogen tank 30 of the first exemplary embodiment includes thecircular column-shaped hydrogen tank body 32 provided so as to becapable of being detachably attached to the vehicle 10, and the handle40 formed on the one length direction D end side of the hydrogen tankbody 32. The hydrogen tank 30 also includes the lock section 68 that iscapable of switching between the locked state in which the hydrogen tankbody 32 cannot be removed from the vehicle 10 and the lock-releasedstate in which the locked state has been released, due to the hydrogentank body 32 being rotated in the circumferential direction in a stateof being installed to the vehicle 10.

By including the lock section 68 that is capable of switching betweenthe locked state and the lock-released state, the lock section 68 isplaced in the locked state by rotating the hydrogen tank 30 toward theone circumferential direction side, and is placed in the lock-releasedstate by rotating the hydrogen tank 30 toward the other circumferentialdirection side.

Moreover, since the handle 40 is formed on the one length direction Dend side of the hydrogen tank 30, the hydrogen tank 30 is rotated in thecircumferential direction by operating the handle 40. This enables thehydrogen tank 30 to be rendered either unremovable or removable from thevehicle 10 by a simple operation.

The hydrogen tank 30 of the first exemplary embodiment includes therecess 56 indented in the length direction D on the one length directionD end side of the hydrogen tank body 32, and the handle 40 is providedinside the recess 56.

Since the handle 40 is provided inside the recess 56, a space is formedbetween the handle 40 and the recess 56. This enables the operator M toput their hand M1 in the space between the handle 40 and the recess 56when gripping the handle 40. This enables the operator M to firmly gripthe handle 40 when operating the handle 40.

Moreover, since the handle 40 is provided inside the recess 56, the handM1 gripping the handle 40 is not exposed at the exterior when grippingthe handle 40. This enables the hand M1 to be protected when grippingthe handle 40 to operate the handle 40, such as when switching betweenthe locked state and the lock-released state, and when attaching ordetaching the hydrogen tank 30 to or from the vehicle 10.

Furthermore, since the handle 40 is provided inside the recess 56, thehandle 40 is formed in the space inside the recess 56. This enables thespace to be effectively utilized, and enables the hydrogen tank 30 to bemade smaller in size.

In the hydrogen tank 30 of the first exemplary embodiment, the recess 56is formed in the cover member 50 that is capable of being detachablyattached to the hydrogen tank body 32.

Since the recess 56 is formed in the cover member 50 that is capable ofbeing detachably attached to the hydrogen tank body 32, the one lengthdirection D end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 is covered by thecover member 50. This enables the one length direction D end side of thehydrogen tank body 32 to be protected by the cover member 50.

In the hydrogen tank 30 of the first exemplary embodiment, the handle 40is integrally provided at the hydrogen tank body 32.

Since the handle 40 is included as integrally provided at the hydrogentank body 32, the handle 40 is firmly connected to the hydrogen tankbody 32 and the strength of the handle 40 is improved. This enables theease of operation of the handle 40 to be improved when gripping thehandle 40 to operate the handle 40, such as when switching between thelocked state and the lock-released state, and when attaching ordetaching the hydrogen tank 30 to or from the vehicle 10.

In the hydrogen tank 30 of the first exemplary embodiment, the handle 40is provided so as not to project out from the upper end face 54 on theone end side of the hydrogen tank body 32.

Since the handle 40 is provided so as not to project out from the upperend face 54 on the one end side of the hydrogen tank body 32, the handle40 does not jut out from the one length direction D end of the hydrogentank 30. Thus, the handle 40 does not protrude from the vehicle 10 inthe state in which the hydrogen tank 30 has been installed to thevehicle 10. This enables the handle 40 to be prevented from catching onobjects around the vehicle 10 in the state in which the hydrogen tank 30has been installed to the vehicle 10.

Moreover, since the handle 40 does not jut out from the one lengthdirection D end of the hydrogen tank 30, hydrogen tanks 30 can besuitably packed when transporting the hydrogen tanks 30. This enablesloading efficiency of hydrogen tanks 30 to be improved.

In the hydrogen tank 30 of the first exemplary embodiment, the handle 40is formed so as to extend in a long thin shape along the radialdirection of the hydrogen tank body 32.

Since the handle 40 is formed in a long thin shape along the radialdirection of the hydrogen tank body 32, for example, the handle 40 isorientated along a lateral direction when in the locked state, and thehandle 40 is orientated along a vertical direction when in thelock-released state. This enables simple determination as to whether thehydrogen tank 30 is in the locked state or in the lock-released statewith respect to the vehicle 10.

The hydrogen tank 30 of the first exemplary embodiment includes theremaining hydrogen level display section 60 that displays the remaininglevel of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank body 32.

Since the hydrogen tank 30 includes the remaining hydrogen level displaysection 60, the remaining level of hydrogen inside the hydrogen tank 30is displayed on the remaining hydrogen level display section 60. Thisenables the remaining level of hydrogen inside the hydrogen tank 30 tobe ascertained without having to measure the weight of the hydrogen tank30.

In the hydrogen tank 30 of the first exemplary embodiment, the remaininghydrogen level display section 60 is provided at a position visible fromoutside the vehicle 10 in the state in which the hydrogen tank body 32has been installed to the vehicle 10.

Since the remaining hydrogen level display section 60 is visible fromoutside the vehicle 10 in the state in which the hydrogen tank 30 hasbeen installed to the vehicle 10, the remaining level of hydrogen insidethe hydrogen tank 30 can be ascertained in the state in which thehydrogen tank 30 has been installed to the vehicle 10. This enables ahydrogen refill timing for the hydrogen tank 30 to be ascertained whilein the state in which the hydrogen tank 30 has been installed to thevehicle 10.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

A hydrogen tank of a second exemplary embodiment differs from thehydrogen tank of the first exemplary embodiment in the respect that ishas a differently shaped handle.

Explanation follows regarding configuration of the hydrogen tank of thesecond exemplary embodiment. Note that sections that are the same orequivalent to content described in the first exemplary embodiment aredescribed using the same terminology and reference numerals.

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , in the second exemplary embodiment, a handle140 is formed on the one length direction D end side (upper side) of thehydrogen tank body 32. The handle 140 is integrally formed to thehydrogen tank body 32. The handle 140 is configured by three pillars 44and a linking portion 142. The linking portion 142 is formed in a Tshape when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed along the lengthdirection D. The linking portion 142 of the handle 140 is providedspaced apart from the recess 56 to a degree enabling the operator M toinsert their hand M1 therebetween in a state in which the cover member50 has been attached to the hydrogen tank body 32.

Such a configuration enables similar operation and effects to those ofthe hydrogen tank of the first exemplary embodiment to be exhibited.Moreover, forming the handle 140 in a T shape when the hydrogen tankbody 32 is viewed along the length direction D enables the strength ofthe handle 140 to be reinforced.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

A hydrogen tank of a third exemplary embodiment differs from thehydrogen tanks of the above exemplary embodiments in the respect thatits remaining hydrogen level display section is at a different position.

Explanation follows regarding configuration of the hydrogen tank of thethird exemplary embodiment. Note that sections that are the same orequivalent to content described in the first exemplary embodiment aredescribed using the same terminology and reference numerals.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 , in the third exemplary embodiment, aremaining hydrogen level display section 160 is attached to one lengthdirection D end face of the linking portion 42 of the handle 40. Inother words, the remaining hydrogen level display section 160 isprovided to the end face on the one length direction D end side of thehandle 40.

Such a configuration also enables similar operation and effects to thoseof the hydrogen tank of the first exemplary embodiment to be exhibited.Moreover, since the remaining hydrogen level display section 160 isprovided to the end face on the one length direction D end side of thehandle 40, the remaining hydrogen level display sections 160 of pluralhydrogen tanks 30 are orientated along the horizontal direction when thehydrogen tanks 30 have been installed to the vehicle 10 and are inlocked states. This makes it easier for the operator M to check theremaining levels of the hydrogen tanks 30 in the state in which thehydrogen tanks 30 have been installed to the vehicle 10.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

A hydrogen tank of a fourth exemplary embodiment differs from thehydrogen tanks of the above exemplary embodiments in the respect thatits remaining hydrogen level display section is at a different position.

Explanation follows regarding configuration of the hydrogen tank of thefourth exemplary embodiment. Note that sections that are the same orequivalent to content described in the first exemplary embodiment aredescribed using the same terminology and reference numerals.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 , in the fourth exemplary embodiment, aremaining hydrogen level display section 260 is attached to the upperend face 54 of the cover member 50.

Such a configuration also enables similar operation and effects to thoseof the hydrogen tank of the first exemplary embodiment to be exhibited.Moreover, since the remaining hydrogen level display section 260 isprovided to the upper end face 54 of the cover member 50, the remaininghydrogen level display section 260 is disposed at the length direction Dend face of the cover member 50. This makes it easier for the operator Mto check the remaining level of the hydrogen tank 30 in the state inwhich the hydrogen tank 30 has been installed to the vehicle 10.

Hydrogen tanks of the present disclosure have been described above withreference to the above exemplary embodiments. However, specificconfiguration is not limited to that described in the above exemplaryembodiments, and various design modifications and so on are permittedwithin a range not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

In the above exemplary embodiments, an example has been described inwhich the recess 56 is provided in the cover member 50 that is capableof being detachably attached to the hydrogen tank body 32. However, arecess may be integrally provided in the hydrogen tank body.

In the above exemplary embodiments, an example has been described inwhich the recess 56 is formed in a circular bowl shape indented in thelength direction D from the upper end face 54 of the cover member 50.However, a recess may be formed in a rectangular box shape indented inthe length direction D from the upper end face 54 of the cover member50.

In the above exemplary embodiments, an example has been described inwhich the handle 40 is formed in a bar shape or a T shape when thehydrogen tank body 32 is viewed along the length direction D. However,the handle is not limited to such shapes, and may for example be formedin a cross shape or a circular shape when the hydrogen tank body 32 isviewed along the length direction D.

In the above exemplary embodiments, an example has been described inwhich the lock mechanism is configured by the lock section 68 providedat the hydrogen tank body 32 and the guide section 82 provided at thehydrogen tank installation section 80. However, the lock mechanism isnot limited to such a configuration, as long as it is a configurationthat is capable switching between the locked state in which the hydrogentank body 32 cannot be removed from the vehicle 10 and the lock-releasedstate in which the locked state has been released, due to the hydrogentank body 32 being rotated in the circumferential direction.

In the above exemplary embodiments, an example has been described inwhich the lock section 68 is formed in the vicinity of an intersectionbetween the extension direction of the bar-shaped handle 40 and theouter circumferential face of the hydrogen tank body 32 when thehydrogen tank body 32 is viewed along the length direction D. However, alock section may be provided at any location on the outercircumferential face of the hydrogen tank body.

In the above exemplary embodiments, an example has been described inwhich the remaining hydrogen level display section 60 is provided toeither the cover member 50 or the handle 40. However, a remaininghydrogen level display section may be provided at the hydrogen tankbody.

In the above exemplary embodiments, an example has been described inwhich the leading end of the flow path 72 in the first connector 70configures the supply port 74 through which hydrogen is supplied to thevehicle 10, and also configures the filler port 76 through whichhydrogen is filled into the hydrogen tank body 32. However, a supplyport through which hydrogen is supplied to the vehicle 10 and a fillerport through which hydrogen is filled into the hydrogen tank body 32 maybe provided as separate ports in the first connector. This enables asupply port and a filler port to be formed in the first connector usinga simple configuration.

In the above exemplary embodiments, an example has been described inwhich the hydrogen tank is mounted to a small mobility vehicle that isdriven autonomously by electrical energy generated by a chemicalreaction between hydrogen and oxygen. However, the hydrogen tank may bemounted to a vehicle with a hydrogen engine, a hydrogen generator, ahydrogen-powered drone, or another hydrogen-powered device that useshydrogen.

In the above exemplary embodiments, an example has been described inwhich the fuel tank of the present disclosure is applied to a hydrogentank. However, the fuel tank of the present disclosure may be applied toa fuel tank that stores a fuel other than hydrogen.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fuel tank comprising: a circular column-shapedfuel tank body provided so as to be capable of being detachably attachedto a fuel-powered device; a handle formed on one end side in a lengthdirection of the fuel tank body; and a lock mechanism that is capable ofswitching between a locked state in which the fuel tank body cannot beremoved from the fuel-powered device, and a lock-released state in whichthe locked state has been released, due to the fuel tank body beingrotated in a circumferential direction in a state of being installed tothe fuel-powered device.
 2. The fuel tank of claim 1, furthercomprising: a recess indented in the length direction on the one lengthdirection end side of the fuel tank body, wherein the handle is providedinside the recess.
 3. The fuel tank of claim 2, wherein the recess isformed in a cover member that is capable of being detachably attached tothe fuel tank body.
 4. The fuel tank of claim 1, wherein the handle isintegrally provided at the fuel tank body.
 5. The fuel tank of claim 1,wherein the handle is provided so as not to project out from an end faceon the one end side of the fuel tank body.
 6. The fuel tank of claim 1,wherein the handle is formed so as to extend in a long thin shape alonga radial direction of the fuel tank body.
 7. The fuel tank of claim 1,further comprising a remaining fuel level display section configured todisplay a remaining level of fuel in the fuel tank body.
 8. The fueltank of claim 7, wherein the remaining fuel level display section isprovided at a position visible from outside the fuel-powered device in astate in which the fuel tank body has been installed to the fuel-powereddevice.